A new flu season model has turned up some surprising results: the flu season may peak in February and could be a mild one. By “mild,” we mean that there may be fewer overall cases, though not necessarily less severe symptoms.
According to the model, there is a less than 20 percent chance that the flu season will peak this month, and a 57 percent chance that it will peak in February. The last three flu seasons have all peaked in December.
Those who have been delaying their vaccinations may have lucked out until now but this shouldn’t be taken lightly. Predicting flu season severity is still relatively new, and there’s a lot that scientists don’t know. Mild flu seasons can still cause serious illnesses, so it’s important to not take the word “mild” too literally.
Keep the following in mind to prepare for the flu season:
Get Your Flu Shot ASAP 
Even though it’s predicted that the season will peak in February, the flu will still be around before then -- and may even peak late-January. There is still time to get your flu shot and have it take effect over the next 1-2 weeks.
Avoid Close Contact with People Who May Be Sick
Try to be careful around those with obvious coughs and colds; influenza is highly contagious.
Stay Home if You Are Sick
Keep yourself and others in mind if you think that you are sick. Staying home will help you get better quicker and will prevent others from getting seriously sick as well.
Clean Your Hands and Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, or Mouth
Practicing safe-health habits can go a long way if you believe that you’ve touched an infected surface that someone may have coughed on. Carrying around a small bottle of hand sanitizer is easy, and a quick squirt and hand rub may sterilize your hands better than hand washing in the restroom – if you can even find one. These can be bought at almost any local retailer.
Take Antiviral Drugs if Your Doctor Provides Them
Antiviral drugs are not available over-the-counter and should only be taken if your health professional prescribes them. These treatments work best when they are started within 2 days of getting sick, so be sure to consult your doctor immediately, and they’ll determine the best course of action.
If you still need your influenza immunization, be sure to book an appointment at Woodbridge Walk-In Irvine, Fountain Valley Urgent Care, or Costa Mesa Urgent Care. Getting vaccinated before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to (protection from) the virus.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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